The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the summer encore of the Met Opera’s “Turandot” (from the 2015-16 season) on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 12 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Nina Stemme — one of opera’s greatest dramatic sopranos — plays the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand in “Turandot”. Tenor Marco Berti is Calàf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorma” and wins her love. Franco Zeffirelli’s golden production is conducted by Paolo Carignani. Additional principle cast members include Anita Hartig (Liù) and Alexander Tsymbalyuk (Timur).
Puccini’s final opera is an epic fairy tale set in a China of legend, loosely based on a play by 18th-century Italian dramatist Carlo Gozzi. Featuring a most unusual score with an astounding and innovative use of chorus and orchestra, it is still recognizably Puccini, bursting with instantly appealing melody. The unenviable task of completing the opera’s final scene upon Puccini’s sudden death was left to the composer Franco Alfano. Conductor Arturo Toscanini oversaw Alfano’s contribution and led the world premiere.
ACT I
Legendary Peking. Any prince seeking to marry Princess Turandot must answer three riddles. If he fails, he will die. Among the crowd, Cala`f discovers his long-lost father, Timur. As the latest failed suitor goes to his death, the crowd calls upon the princess to spare him, but Turandot orders the execution to proceed. Transfixed by her beauty, Calàf decides to win her. Timur and the slave girl Liu`, as well as the ministers Ping, Pang, and Pong, try to discourage him. Cala`f is determined nonetheless.
ACT II
Ping, Pang, and Pong dream of their country homes, but the noise of the crowd gathering calls them back to reality. Turandot arrives for the riddle ceremony. After Cala`f answers all three correctly, the princess begs her father not to give her to the stranger. Cala`f offers Turandot a challenge of his own: If she can learn his name by dawn, he will forfeit his life.
ACT III
Ping, Pang, and Pong try to bribe Cala`f to leave the city. Soldiers drag in Liu` and Timur. Despite being tortured, Liu` refuses to reveal the stranger’s identity. She snatches a dagger from a guard and kills herself. Turandot confronts Cala`f, who impetuously kisses her. Turandot finally feels emotions, and sure of winning her, Cala`f reveals his identity. Before the court, Turandot declares that the stranger’s name is Love.
The 2024 Met Opera Summer Encores are generously sponsored by Chris Fladlien and Bea Hanks.